How can we ensure our worship aligns with the principles found in Exodus 37:9?

The Picture Painted by Exodus 37:9

“ The cherubim were to have their wings spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat with their wings, and they were to face one another; the faces of the cherubim were to be toward the mercy seat.” (Exodus 37:9)

• Wings lifted upward—posture of exaltation

• Overshadowing—guarding what is holy

• Facing one another—unity in purpose

• Eyes on the mercy seat—total focus on God’s atoning presence

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Timeless Principles for Worship

• Reverence before the Holy One (Psalm 95:6; Hebrews 12:28)

• Christ-centered focus—the mercy seat fulfilled in Jesus (Romans 3:25; Hebrews 9:24)

• United hearts and voices (Romans 15:6)

• Guarding holiness within the gathering (1 Corinthians 5:6-7)

• Ordered beauty and excellence (Exodus 35:30-35; 1 Corinthians 14:40)

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Personal Worship Alignment

• Start each day lifting your heart “upward” in praise (Psalm 103:1-2)

• Fix your gaze on Christ (Colossians 3:1-2)

• Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9)

• Let Scripture shape your song (Ephesians 5:19)

• Carve out quiet “overshadowed” moments (Psalm 46:10)

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Corporate Worship Alignment

• Center every element on the gospel—read, sing, preach the Word (1 Timothy 4:13)

• Encourage congregational singing that faces and edifies one another (Colossians 3:16)

• Uphold moral and doctrinal purity in leadership (Titus 1:7-9)

• Avoid gimmicks that steal focus from God (Leviticus 10:1-3)

• Employ skilled servants who point all glory to the Lord (Psalm 115:1)

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Ongoing Heart Checks

• Does this element lift eyes toward the mercy seat or toward us?

• Are we serving in humility? (Philippians 2:3)

• Are we guarding unity? (Matthew 5:23-24)

• Does every practice submit to Scripture? (Mark 7:8-9)

• Is gratitude driving our worship? (Psalm 100:4)